YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION

The HSO’s Young Artists Competition is an elite concerto competition open to all Connecticut residents in grades 9-12. Contestants compete for cash awards and a chance to solo with the HSO at The Bushnell.

APPLICATION is now open! 

Application deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025

Early application deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024

Semifinals: Saturday, March 22, 2025

Finals Concert: Saturday, May 17, 2025, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Theater of the Performing Arts (359 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106)

  • Contestants must be Connecticut residents in grades 9-12 during the 2023-2024 academic year.
  • Previous first-place winners of HSO’s Young Artists Competition are not eligible.
  • Contestants must perform on one of the following instruments:
    • Flute
    • Oboe
    • Clarinet
    • Bassoon
    • Horn
    • Trumpet
    • Trombone
    • Tuba
    • Saxophone
    • Percussion
    • Harp
    • Piano
    • Violin
    • Viola
    • Cello
    • Bass
    • Guitar

Complete applications must include:

  • Online application form
  • Performance videos
  • $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Optional: headshot and bio

Scholarships are available to cover the application fee. If you are in need of financial assistance, please email us at yac@hartfordsymphony.org and include “Scholarships” in the subject line.

Click here to apply!

First Round of Competition

  • Contestants must submit video recordings of two (2) pieces using the digital application form. Click here for tips about recording your videos. 
  • One piece must be a movement, or excerpt of a movement, of a concerto or similar large-scale work for solo instrument and orchestra.* The second piece should be an encore-style work for solo instrument that is no more than 5 minutes long.
  • The concerto excerpt must be recorded with live piano accompaniment. Please contact us if you need assistance finding an accompanist.
  • Each recording should be a maximum of five (5) minutes long. Please indicate appropriate measure numbers on your application.
  • Each recording (piece) must be unedited. Only single-take recordings will be considered.
  • All music must be memorized.

* Repertoire is subject to approval by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Semi-Final Round of Competition

  • Selected contestants must perform their entire concerto movement with piano accompaniment.
  • You must perform the same concerto as you recorded for the First Round.
  • The top five (5) contestants will advance to the Final Round.

Final Round of Competition

  • Five Finalists will perform their concerto movement live with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
  • The top three winners will perform a solo encore piece (this must be the same piece you submitted for the First Round).
  • The 1st Place winner will be offered an opportunity to perform with the HSO.

1st Place $1000

2nd Place $750

3rd Place $500

Frequently Asked Questions

Any piece that features a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.

Yes, please upload separate videos for each piece.

Clearly label your files in the following format: “Your Name, Title of Work” (including movement).

For example, “Timothy Brown, Gershwin Concerto in F, First Mvmt.”

Please email yac@hartfordsymphony.org and we’ll be happy to assist you.

We’re happy to help you! Email us at yac@hartfordsymphony.org for further assistance.